DETROIT LIONS: Reggie Bush could be main free agent target

This much we know, Reggie Bush will not return to the Miami Dolphins (even though that was his preference) and the NFL running back just turned 28 on March 2.

Bush has emerged as the Detroit Lions' most likely target when free agency opens at 4 p.m on Tuesday (March 11).

He'd be a perfect fit for Detroit, just ask most anyone.

Bush is a pass-catching tailback who could make people forget Jahvid Best who had that same role until he was knocked out of action on Oct. 16, 2011, with a concussion.

It the Twitter nation is any indication, fans would love to see Bush land in Detroit and provide a much-needed boost to the running game.

The Arizona Cardinals are also expected to be a contender in the Bush sweepstakes.

Two roadblocks could stand in the way of Bush signing as a free agent in Detroit.

One is money. He made $4.5 million last season and could be looking at the same in a new contract. Maybe it will be less, it seems the big money is not flowing across the NFL as free agency nears. The Lions have cap constraints which won't be loosened unless they can extend the contract of Matthew Stafford who will have a $20 million salary cap hit this season.

Two is the role Bush would play in Detroit. He wouldn't be the primary ball carrier in the Lions' offense. He would share reps with Mikel Leshoure and Joique Bell. In his career, Bush has preferred to be the primary running back which is what the Cardinals are seeking.

According to reports, Bush was a hard worker and provided veteran leadership to the Dolphins after he was traded to Miami from the Saints. That has to be music to the ears of the Lions' powers-that-be.

In two seasons with the Dolphins, Bush started in 31 of 32 games. In 2012 he had 227 carries for 986 yards and six rushing touchdowns. He also had 35 receptions for 292 yards and a pair of receiving TDs.

His rushing yardage in 2011 (1,086) was a career-high so he doesn't appear to be on the downside of his career just yet.

NFL teams were allowed to start talking to agents of free agents on Saturday. They are not allowed to talk to the players directly until 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

A few weeks ago, Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson made a plea to Bush on the NFL Network.

"I'm going to just say this, 'Reggie Bush, you already took your talents to South Beach, come on to Detroit,''' Burleson said. "He still has that legend behind him. ... And if I can get Reggie Bush in a Detroit Lions uniform, ooh-wee, watch out.''